Slowly, but surely, we’ve emptied out our home, as one kid after another flees the scene. But, when our second-to-last child packed up and left home in August, there was cause for immediate concern. Our thoughts turned instantly to our youngest child. How ever would our little red caboose survive?

After-all, all Tommy has ever known is a full house. What would life be like for him with no siblings? Who would help him absorb the daily excesses of our signature over-zealous parenting style?

Our fears were unfounded. Our worry was in vain. It seems that after 5 months of life as an “Only Child,” Tommy seems to quite embrace his living situation. In fact, he may even be flourishing.

We haven’t had an “Only Child” since those halcyon days when Emilie was a toddler. At the tender age of 2, she was too young to truly exploit all the inherent advantages; but you can bet after 16 frustrating years of being the youngest of 5, Tommy is keenly aware and appreciative of the perks available to him as a “LonelyOnly.”

– VIP PARKING: Park wherever you want. There are several open garage bays available. Who are you blocking in? Um – nobody! And if dad is traveling, feel free to pull right up under the Porte-cochere. It simply doesn’t get more convenient.

– FACE TIME: Since there’s only one kid left, and no one else vying for our attention, when Tommy walks in the room we immediately put our books face-down and/or mute the TV. We are all-ears. Ready, willing and able to give a damn.

–TOPNOTCHHOME SECURITY: Gone is the angst-ridden concern over where to hide restaurant leftovers, Halloween candy or that last bottle of Gatorade so it will be safe from your siblings. Mom’s on a diet and dad’s not home – your crap is completely yours.

–APPLIANCE KING: When you need to throw a shirt or a coveted pair of jeans in the wash, no one else’s pesky stuff is cluttering up the machines. Gone are the long lines. No need to take a number. You are Numero Uno around here; from the toaster to the microwave to the washing machine, you rule all the appliances in your kingdom.

Ditto all television sets and gaming systems.

What’s more, without all the sibs around sucking the literal life out of YOUR MOTHER, she’s more likely to tap into her dormant nurturing instincts and do your laundry for you.

The other day Jimmy asked Tommy about his lavish new lifstyle. He was quite frank and unapologetic, remarking, “It’s payback for all the years of disrespect I endured as the runt of the litter!”

He went on to tell his dad that he might even be dreading the holidays a little. His siblings will be home next week disturbing the peace and asserting their domestic dominance once again.

Or maybe they’ll behave like the “Houseguests” they arguably are, deferring to him as their Gracious Host?

Tommy isn’t exactly sitting around waiting for Santa Claus to drop off a Magic 8 ball for the answer to that question…it’s “Highly Doubtful.”

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I enjoy your blog so much! My fifth kid flew the nest about three years ago. She hated being number one for the last year she was home because in her own words, “your radar is too bright.” When there were 4 siblings around she mostly flew under it. When they left we put on the high beams thinking it would be nice for her to get all the attention for a while. Turns out she felt blinded by the light!